The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of the associated intraarticular soft tissue lesions with fractures of the distal radius by arthroscopic evaluation of the wrist joint and thus to avoid poor outcome after the conventional treatment.

Medical records, radiographs and arthroscopic findings of 27 patients with fractures of the distal radius that underwent arthroscopic procedures were reviewed . Relationships between fracture pattern and associated lesions of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments were investigated.

71% of fractures of the distal radius were associated with soft tissue lesions. Among those, tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex was the most prevalent (47%). Associated lesions such as TFCC, scapholaunate and lunotriquetral lesion were more common with inraarticular fracture, while severe nature of the lesion that neccessiated pinning and/or arthroscopic repair was more common with extraarticular fractures of the distal radius.

Incidence of the associated soft tissue lesions in this study were comparably high with the latest publications. The authors suggest strongly that wrist arthroscopy should accompay any procedure for fractures of the distal radius, if it is to be done under anesthetic control, to get more favorable outcome.